Appendix A. Press Release/Meeting Notice
DEALING WITH OUR ISLAND’S RUBBISH – THE NEXT STEP COMMUNITY MEETINGS SET FOR SEPTEMBER
Hilo, Hawai`i – August 25, 2008 -The Big Island has a rubbish problem, which is fast becoming a crisis. The Hilo landfill will be completely full in the next 5 years, however it may be expanded horizonally and vertically to buy additional time. Before that happens, it is important that our communities come together and discuss solutions to this complex problem – a problem that impacts every resident as well as those who come here to visit.
A possible solution, one that was endorsed by a majority of the Hawai‘i County Council in October 2007, is to develop a plan based on the concepts of Zero Waste. Though Zero Waste has many aspects, its primary goal is to find better uses for the materials that we usually take to the landfill - with the aim of reducing waste to as close to zero as possible. HI5 and mixed-bin recycling is clearly part of that effort, but so is keeping green waste and compostable items out of the landfill, creating more reuse opportunities for clothing, household goods, and building supplies, reducing packaging and transport costs by purchasing food from local farmers, and making it more convenient for island residents to properly dispose of hazardous and electronic waste.
During the month of September, residents will have many opportunities to learn about Zero Waste through a series of community forums. Zero Waste experts Richard Anthony Associates from San Diego will facilitate these forums. The goals are to provide information about Zero Waste, to bring stakeholders - such as recyclers, haulers, farmers, and associated businesses - together with interested citizens in order to share information and ideas, and ultimately, to develop a plan of action for Hawai‘i County.
You can attend a public meeting at any of the following locations; some meetings have a particular emphasis, but all are welcome.
Kona – Meetings from 6:00-8:00pm
• September 8 and 10: The Mayor’s Office Conference Room (behind the Big Island Grill) • September 9: Liquor Commission Conference Room; 75-5722 Hanama Place, #1107 • September 8: Reuse & Recycling, Special Discards
• September 9: Education and Policy • September 10: Organics
Waimea
September 11: Thelma Parker Library, 6:00-8:00pm All key players and interested community members Hawi
September 12: Old Kapa`au Courthouse/Senior Center (located next to the Kamehameha statue), 6:00-8:00pm
Kohala Coast
September 13: Zero Waste Conference at Mauna Lani – Public Session, 9:00am-Noon Any interested parties
Hilo
September 15: Mokupapapa Discovery Center, 308 Kamehameha Avenue, 5:00-7:00pm Reuse & Recycling
Pahoa
September 17: The Inn at 13-3775 Kalapana Highway, 5:00-7:00pm Organics
Volcano*
September 18: Organics, Reuse, Recycling, Education & Policy
Hilo - both meetings held at Naniloa Volcanoes Resort (Kilohana Room), 5:00-7:00pm • September 18: Special Discards
• September 19: Education & Policy
In addition to the public meetings, a Zero Waste conference, sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Hawaii Island Economic Development Board, is being held at the Mauna Lani Hotel and Bungalows from September 11-13. Along with Richard Anthony Associates, Zero Waste experts Professor Gunter Pauli, Paul Connett PhD, Neil Seldman PhD, and Richard Flammer will be presenting. Representatives from Hawai‘i County will also be in attendance, offering the perspective of our local government. For more information about the conference, contact HIEDB at 935-2180 or visit: www.hiedb.org/zero- waste-conference-2008
Community meetings are brought to you by the County of Hawai`i, Councilman Bob Jacobson, and Recycle Hawai‘i. For more information, call 969-2012 or go to Recycle Hawai‘i’s website at www.recyclehawaii.org.
-end-
* Meeting added after issuance of press release and was conducted at the request of Volcano area stakeholders, County of Hawai`i, and Councilman Bob Jacobson.
Appendix B. List of Stakeholder Participants
Last Name First Name Meeting Location Phone Email
Merle Mike Hawi 808-938-3969 [email protected]
Winter Deborah “ 808-889-6901 [email protected]
Algood Eila “ 808-936-1509 [email protected]
Algood Holly “ 808-936-1510 [email protected]
Rotsteine Ruth andDavid “ 808-889-5780
Boteilho JR Ed “ 808-889-5838 [email protected]
Winter John “ 808-889-6901 [email protected]
West Jay “ 808-885-7812 [email protected]
Cigaimeo Dennis “
Martin Bob “ 808-559-5025 [email protected]
Rosen Karen “ 808-559-5025 [email protected]
Pedorien Jim “ [email protected]
West Cynthia “ 808-938-2870 [email protected]
Schoolcraft Mary Sky “ 808-889-0416 [email protected]
Hilo
Lehua-Kim Kimberly “ [email protected]
Branco Virginia “ 808-933-8180 [email protected]
Nitto Takae “ [email protected]
Weatherford James “ 808-982-5549 [email protected]
Weatherford Elizabeth “ 808-982-5549 [email protected]
Anderson Tara “ [email protected]
Gagorile Susan “ 808-961-8888 [email protected]
Zanz Jesse “ 808-833-7534
Ernst Bob “ 808-968-8611 [email protected]
Porter Mary Marvin “ 808-982-9100 [email protected]
Culbertson Rob “ 808-345-8905
Salfen Liz “ 808-982-8412 [email protected]
Bell Barbara “ 808-937-2573 [email protected]
Wenner Jessie “ [email protected]
Kaehuaeu Wendell “ 808-640-1435
Kubat Kristine “ 808-345-5673
Okuda Keana “ [email protected]
Mauldin Tim “ 808-935-3884 [email protected]
Fogel Fred “ 808-265-1659 [email protected]
Fleener Brad “ 808-982-4453 [email protected]
Dickie-Clark Keri “ 808-937-6925 [email protected]
Moana Tarares Deidre “ 808-636-7836 [email protected]
O'toole Alethea “ 808-966-3516 alethea.o'[email protected]
Grove Peaches “ 808-963-6063 [email protected]
Broomell Gabriel “ 808-9385670 [email protected]
Damas Linda “ 808-961-6851 [email protected]
Kelley Jay “ 808-961-6851 [email protected]
Horike Jane “ 808-989-2812 [email protected]
Sluss Rebekah “
Yost Carey “ 808-982-7292 [email protected]
Klyman Jim “ 808-982-7293 [email protected]
Kailua-Kona
Newland Star “ 808-896-8658 [email protected]
Golden Susan “ [email protected]
Smart Brittany “ [email protected]
Pearson Matt “ [email protected]
Heiller Matt “ 808-936-9016 [email protected]
Sakala Steve “ 808-756-7945 [email protected]
Vorfeld Ted “ 808-640-2196
Logan Christie “ 808-345-2173 [email protected]
Kutner Lionel “ 808-328-8586 [email protected]
Jacobson Bob “ 808-961-8263 [email protected]
Ebner Joseph “ 714-322-9861 [email protected]
Obenski Ken “ 808-987-8431 [email protected]
Lively Barbara “ 808-640-9428 [email protected]
Bonne Ulrich “ 808-322-4737 [email protected]
Shiroma Lianne “ 808-329-0405 [email protected]
Greenwell Kelly “ 808-329-5702 [email protected]
Knight Pua “ 808-870-2650 [email protected]
Pahoa Hunt
Tiffany
Edwards “ 808-938-8592 [email protected]
Balbende Garrett “ 808-981-5251 [email protected]
Hyson Michael “ 808-965-1892 [email protected]
Stanton Charles “ 808-640-5581 [email protected]
Howe Lyn “ 808-936-7040 [email protected]
Tucker Rob “ 808-965-1555 [email protected]
Brooks Charles “ 808-557-2445 [email protected]
Lister Rev Theresa “ [email protected]
Volcano
Golden Kathleen “ 808-967-8696 [email protected]
Hindin Adrian “ 808-985-8566 lilricky2turquoise.net
Golden Peter “ 808-967-8696 [email protected]
Young Tom “ 808-967-7249 [email protected]
Mermel Jeffrey “ 808-967-7426 [email protected]
Donald David “ 808-557-5359 [email protected]
Laird Leslie “ 808-967-7243 [email protected]
Lee Anne “ 808-557-5359 [email protected]
Buchholz Jane “ 808-967-8222 [email protected]
Lockwood Jack “ 808-967-7357 [email protected]
Ware Diane “ 808-967-8642 [email protected]
Warshauer Rick “ [email protected]
Waimea
Burkey Bob 808-887-6505 [email protected]
Phillipa Cassandra “ 808-887-6505 [email protected]
Davenport David “
Garrison Phyllis “
Balberde Paul “ 808-885-7159
Gomes David “ [email protected]
Sugahara Maki “
Moore Charles “ 562-900-7958 [email protected]
Pagliaro Emily “ [email protected]
Strahle Kathy “ [email protected]
Mauna Lani Bay Hotel ZW Conference
Webber Peter “ 310-628-4854 [email protected]
Keliiholokai Maya “ 808-769-9729
Keliiholokai Owen “ 808-769-9731 [email protected]
Wakefield Arlene “ 808-328-2200
Antilla Senja “ 808-315-1060 [email protected]
Frost Kathy “ 808-325-6885 [email protected]
Trust Hannah “ 808-345-0915 [email protected]
Nellis Gail “ [email protected]
Balberde Garrett “ 808-981-5251 [email protected]
Balberde Paul “ 808-981-5251 [email protected]
Logan Christy “ 808-345-2173 [email protected]
Edner Joseph “ [email protected]
Algood Eila “ [email protected]
Brisens Michael “ [email protected]
Frost Alex “ 808-961-8811 [email protected]
Kawaguchi Craig “ 808-961-8549 [email protected]
Chin-Chance Chris “ 808-961-8554 [email protected]
Sluss Rebekah “ 808-967-8527 [email protected]
Kaha Mike “ 808-886-0940 [email protected]
Tiles Mary “ [email protected]
Lively Barbara “ [email protected]
Newland Star “ 808-896-8658 [email protected]
Greenwell Kelly “ [email protected]
Hamada Wayne “ 808-768-3408 [email protected]
Bruno Timothy “ [email protected]
Rupav Randy “ [email protected]
Wills David “ [email protected]
Alles Melinda “ 808-980-5797 [email protected]
Correa Anetazha “ 808-430-5659 [email protected]
Fujimoto Mike “ 808-966-5636 [email protected]
Okuda Keana “ [email protected]
Kubat Kristine “ [email protected]
Ignacio Jay “ 808-969-0121 [email protected]
Nelson Bill “ 619-696-4911 [email protected]
Toledo Nonie “ 808-312-4444 [email protected]
Kaleikini Mike “ 808-965-2838 [email protected]
Ha Richard “ 808-960-1057 [email protected]
Streamfellow Dwight “ 808-227-1295 [email protected]
Kahuanui Ekela “ 808-887-1117 [email protected]
Kosniba James “ 808-782-8248 [email protected]
Matsuo Gregg “ 808-652-5888 [email protected]
Hung Roy “ 808-836-0313 [email protected]
Williams Bettye “ 808-961-0307 [email protected]
Jacobson Bob “ 808-961-8263 [email protected]
Forissier Kareen “ [email protected]
Weatherford James “ 808-982-5549 [email protected]
Houck Rick “ [email protected]
Gollenberg Amy “ 808-886-2964 [email protected]
Rossenti Skylark “ 808-935-2180 [email protected]
Dworsky Mike “ [email protected]
Hayes Patrick “ 415-305-0731 [email protected]
Pollock Ed “ 808-896-9893 [email protected]
Friley Angela “ 808-557-5967 [email protected]
Sakala Steve “ 808-756-7945 [email protected]
Kang Angela “ [email protected]
Emerson Anita “ [email protected]
Keane Madeline “ [email protected]
Miyasato Aaron “ [email protected]
Knight Pua “ 808-870-2650 [email protected]
Phillips Cassandra “ 808-987-0558 [email protected]
Burkey Robert “ 808-987-0664 [email protected]
Fang Liana “ 808-628-6374 [email protected]
Fraley Allison “ 808-241-4837 [email protected]
Gronquist Mahina “ [email protected]
McGuffie Mark “ [email protected]
Stocksdale Kania “ 808-961-0031 [email protected]
Watson Bradley “ 808-893-0932 [email protected]
West Jay “ 808-885-7812 [email protected]
Haun Wendy “ 808-961-4742 [email protected]
Haun Jeff “ 808-961-4743 [email protected]
De Sa Dill Susie “ 808-935-2180 [email protected]
Higa Derek “ 808-895-1039 [email protected]
Fuertes David “ 808-896-0566 [email protected]
Dill John “ 808-960-2979 [email protected]
Connett Ellen “ [email protected]
Hennings Garrett “ 808-345-6603 [email protected]
Pahio Shon “ 808-960-7520 [email protected]
Appendix C. Comments on “Goals for the Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan” Ted Vorfeld, County of Hawaii Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC)
February 3, 2008 1. Zero Waste
My comment on this item was to suggest that a Hawaiian word be substituted for “Zero” and that word should reflect reducing rather than totally eliminating solid waste. Totally eliminating solid waste is deceptive since it cannot be done by any known system of waste reduction. We should avoid deceptive language in our goals.
I suggested one of the following words might be more appropriate:
ha’a.ha’a-meaning “minimum” (Also-low, lowly, humble, degraded, meek, unpretentious, modest, unassuming, unobtrusive, lowness, humility)
ho’o.iki-meaning “To make small” (Also-to lessen, diminish)
lihi-meaning “little bit” when used as an adjective (Also when used as an adjective-small quantity, particle, minutia, slight)
These words were selected from the Hawaiian Dictionary, Revised and Enlarged Edition, by Mary Kawena Pukui and Samuel H. Elbert, 1986 University of Hawaii Press.
2. Greenhouse Gas Emissions
I suggested that we eliminate this goal for reasons I explained during the polling of committee members on the Objective Hierarchy, item 2- A, wherein I gave this category a ‘10’ out of 100 for importance. My low rating was questioned by the moderator.
My reasoning is as follows:
Greenhouse gas emissions from municipal solid waste landfills (or any other solid waste disposal method for that matter) are a minor source of the “Global Warming Potential” as indicated in the 2006 USEPA “U.S. Greenhouse Gas Inventory Reports” of April, 2008. This report indicates that, in 2006, methane from landfills amounted to 22.6% of all methane gas emitted in the U.S. but methane comprised but 8% of total greenhouse gasses and landfill methane emissions comprised less than 2% of all greenhouse gases from all sources in the U.S.
One should note that the weights of the various greenhouse gas emissions listed in the EPA report are all corrected to “Global Warming Potential” (GWP) values which list gases in terms of 100 year equivalent CO2 global warming potential. Methane is listed at 21 times the CO2 potential (hence actual weight of methane gases are somewhat less than 5% of the weight listed for methane). GWP values were established by the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and are currently the subject of controversy.
3. Pay –As-You-Throw
Although I did not so state during the meeting, I believe a PAYT system can be
developed that is fair and incentifies recycling without the need to lower property taxes. I also believe that unless a means to administer PAYT is put forward by the committee, a PAYT recommendation without such advice will only create confusion and likely rejection by the Council and the community. I will submit these thoughts in a later
Appendix D. Sample Organics Out of the Landfill Resolution Compostable Organics Out of Landfills by 2012
Draft Resolution of Support from the County Council, Island of Hawai‘i
WHEREAS, landfilling biodegradable materials, such as food, paper, yard trimmings and agricultural products is greatly contributing to global warming.
WHEREAS, more than 100 tons of these biodegradable materials, including paper products, food scraps and yard trimmings, are landfilled in the County of Hawai‘i every day. These materials amount to approximately half of the island’s discarded resources, and when buried in a landfill, decompose without oxygen and generate methane, an efficient atmospheric heat- trapping gas and a major factor in climate change.
WHEREAS, methane is now understood to be 72 times more potent than CO2 in causing climate changes over a 20-year period, the amount of time scientists have determined is left before the planet passes the “tipping point” on irreversible climate change. Landfills are the number one source of human-caused methane in the United States and emit the greenhouse gas equivalent of 20 percent of our country’s coal-fired power plants every year.
WHEREAS, landfilling any material wastes valuable natural resources. Discarded organic materials contain vast stores of macro- and micro-nutrients needed by agricultural and natural ecosystems to replenish soils. When these materials are not returned to the soil, other nutrient sources must be found. In most cases, petroleum-based and energy-intensive fertilizers are imported and substituted for natural nutrient sources.
WHEREAS, commercial farming and shortsighted land use policies favoring energy-intensive pesticides, fertilizers and irrigation water have resulted in dramatic increases in greenhouse gases discharged into the atmosphere for more than fifty years. These practices have contributed to one-third of the increase in atmospheric CO2, while causing erosion, sedimentation, water pollution and the progressive stripping of organic matter, beneficial microbes, carbon and other essential nutrients from our soils.
WHEREAS, healthy soils are capable of holding twice the carbon stocks of plants. Release of soilbound carbon through tilling and other shorthsighted farming practices causes soils to contribute to, rather than protects against, global warming. These methods also compromise the ability of soil to grow food locally, nutritiously, and sustainably.
WHEREAS, land degradation is considered a fundamental and persistent problem by the United Nations Environment Programme.
WHEREAS, healthy soils restored with organic materials protect against flooding, erosion, and drought, promote biodiversity, filter pollutants, buffer soil acidity, and suppress plant diseases and pests while bolstering agricultural yields.
WHEREAS, Hawai‘i currently imports 90% of its food and urgently requires the healthier soils that can be produced through diverting organic materials from the landfill and returning the
nutrients and organic matter back to farmland to grow its own. This is a critical component of re- creating a more sustainable society on our island.
WHEREAS, Hawai‘i Legislature enacted Act 8 (SSLH 2005), “which provided for the development of a sustainability plan to address the vital needs of Hawai‘i through the year 2050.” Diverting all organics from the landfill for land application, mulching, composting or digestion can help the Hawai‘i achieve several key benchmarks in the plan, including Benchmark 4 – “Increase recycling, reuse and waste reduction strategies,” Benchmark 5 – “Develop a more diverse and resilient economy,” Benchmark 6 “Develop a sustainability ethic,” and Benchmark 7 – “Increase production and consumption of local foods and products, particularly agricultural products.”
WHEREAS, the quickest and cheapest way to immediately reduce our community’s greenhouse gas emissions and improve the health of soils on the island is to get compostable organics out of landfills and back into our soils through composting and anaerobic digestion technologies. THEREFORE, we agree to phase these materials out of our landfills by 2012, and to redirect these materials back to our soils as useful soil amendments. Staff would establish a plan on how to best accomplish this and how to work with local agencies to encourage the use of compostable organics to sustain the health of our soils.
Appendix E. Case Study: Metropolitan Portland, Oregon “Fork It Over!” Program/Oregon Food Bank
Case Study: Metropolitan Portland, Oregon “Fork It Over!” Program/Oregon Food Bank
The “Fork It Over!” food donation program was launched in 2004, but the Metro government has been working with the Oregon Food Bank since the mid 90s to divert food from the landfill and feed people in the Portland metropolitan area. A multitude of food rescue agencies will accept dropped off food or pick it up directly from its source of generation. Oregon Food Bank is the hub of a network of 919 hunger-relief agencies throughout the state of Oregon and Clark County, Washington.
An affiliate of America's Second Harvest, the Oregon Food Bank “recovers food from farmers, manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, individuals and government sources. It then distributes that food to 20 regional food banks across Oregon. Sixteen are independent charitable organizations. OFB directly operates the four regional food banks serving the Portland metro area, Tillamook and southeast Oregon. Those four centers distribute food weekly to 348 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and other programs helping low-income individuals in Clackamas, Clark, Multnomah, Washington, Tillamook, Malheur and Harney counties. OFB also works to eliminate the root causes of hunger through advocacy, nutrition education, learning gardens and public education.”
Collection from food rescue agencies is available on a regularly scheduled or call-in basis. Metro and its local governmental partners provide assistance to companies wanting to participate in the program. Support includes visits to businesses to assess what can be donated and help with program start-up, free instructional posters, and free window stickers that let customers know the business participates in the program. Following are some general categories of foods accepted:
• Unserved menu items • Unserved buffet foods
• Produce
• Dairy items • Deli items • Catered foods
• Baked goods
• Meats and seafood
In fiscal year 2000-2001, local food banks and charitable organizations in the Metro region recovered approximately 10,614 tons of food. The Oregon Food Bank estimated that 2,122 tons, or approximately 20 percent of this food would have been landfilled if not donated.
Metro assisted food diversion and donation efforts with research and found storage and refrigeration space was a critical issue in both collection and distribution of recovered food. A grant program was developed for “assistance and support to enhance capacity to accommodate new and increased flow of perishable food items” and have been used to “primarily to build the transportation and storage capacity of food rescue agencies in the Metro region.” From 1999 to 2002, nearly $580,000 in grants were disbursed and paid for:
• 4 walk-in coolers • 18 reach-in refrigerators • 19 reach-in freezers • 10 outdoor shelter canopies • 2 collection trucks
• 9 months driver salary and volunteer driver gasoline allowances
Agencies receiving these grants estimated additional food recovery as a result of the program at 5,181 tons, with avoided disposal costs $647,650 and a dollar value to food banks from additional recovered food worth